Murder · Self-defence
Unanimous Murder Acquittal
Not Guilty
- Three-week Crown Court trial, 2026
- Defence: self-defence
- Jury verdict: unanimous
Think Defence. Think MC.
2026 · Two murder cases ·
No murder convictions
Meet Michelle Canagasuriam
Two murder cases in 2026. No murder convictions. Led by Michelle Canagasuriam, MC Solicitors defends people facing the most serious allegations, from the police station to the Crown Court.

Serious crime · Proven results
Murder · Self-defence
Not Guilty
Murder charge reduced
No Murder Conviction

From the courtroom
From leading counsel
“His verdict of Not Guilty was entirely down to the superb preparation you undertook and your constant attention to his defence preparation.”
From junior counsel
“MC Solicitors go above and beyond and leave no stone unturned in the preparation of a client’s case. Without this level of attention to detail the client may not have been acquitted.”
From the court-appointed intermediary
“At all times she had the client’s case as a top priority in her work life, especially during the potentially challenging trial period.”
From an instructed expert
“I was instructed by Michelle Canagasuriam of MC Solicitors in relation to a serious criminal case involving a defendant with significant mental health problems. Michelle provided clear and thorough instructions in relation to fitness to plead and whether adaptations including an intermediary were necessary. She showed particular concern for her client’s vulnerabilities and was extremely professional and courteous throughout. She went above and beyond to ensure her client received adequate support for his mental health throughout his court proceedings.”

Founder & Director | Criminal Defence Solicitor
LL.B (Hons), LL.M
With over 20 years of criminal defence experience, Michelle Canagasuriam has established a reputation for strategic thinking, meticulous preparation and an uncompromising approach to protecting her clients’ interests.
Having initially qualified as a Barrister before cross-qualifying as a Solicitor, Michelle brings a distinctive combination of advocacy experience, extensive legal knowledge and sharp analytical skills to her practice.
Experienced in murder, manslaughter, serious violence and complex criminal proceedings, Michelle is known for her ability to scrutinise evidence, identify weaknesses in prosecution cases and construct robust defence strategies.
Michelle is personally involved in the preparation and conduct of her cases, working directly with clients and alongside specialist counsel to ensure every available line of defence is carefully considered and pursued.
2026 — Two Murder Cases. No Murder Convictions.
In a murder prosecution involving a fatal stabbing, Michelle and her team secured a unanimous Not Guilty verdict following a three-week Crown Court trial.
The defendant admitted inflicting multiple stab wounds, including fatal injuries to the neck. The defence of self-defence was successfully advanced, resulting in a complete acquittal of murder.
The case presented complex evidential and legal challenges, demanding extensive preparation, detailed analysis and close collaboration with junior counsel and then leading King’s Counsel.
Michelle personally undertook substantial defence preparation and attended every day of the three-week trial, ensuring her client’s interests remained fully protected throughout.
In a separate, complex multi-handed murder prosecution arising from a drug-related incident involving a weapon and a fatal drowning, Michelle and her team secured the acceptance of a negotiated plea to manslaughter, avoiding a murder conviction.
Michelle personally represented both clients at the police station and Magistrates’ Court and attended every Crown Court hearing working closely with specialist counsel throughout the proceedings.
Michelle Canagasuriam personally represented these clients from the outset of the criminal investigations, attending the police stations, providing representation before the Magistrates’ Court and subsequently attending every Crown Court hearing with the barristers throughout the proceedings.
Two serious murder prosecutions. Two significant defence outcomes. No murder convictions in 2026.
These outcomes demonstrate the importance of strategic preparation, rigorous examination of evidence and determined defence representation in cases where the consequences for those accused are exceptionally serious.
Michelle’s approach
For Michelle, criminal defence is about more than the allegations or the evidence. It is about the individual whose liberty, reputation and future may be at stake.
She recognises the profound impact criminal proceedings can have on clients and their families and believes that every individual deserves to be heard, properly advised and robustly defended.
From the earliest stages of a police investigation to the conclusion of court proceedings, Michelle provides clear, honest advice, meticulous preparation and determined representation leaving no stone unturned.
At the heart of Michelle’s approach is the principle upon which MC Solicitors was founded:
Because you matter.
These three words are more than a slogan. They reflect Michelle’s belief that every client deserves personal attention, respect and the highest standard of criminal defence, whatever the allegation.

Your Case. Your Defence. Personally Handled.
Michelle accepts instructions under Legal Aid and through private funding, representing clients at the police station and court across all areas of criminal law.
For clients wishing to instruct Michelle privately, she provides a bespoke criminal defence service, tailored to the circumstances, complexity and individual requirements of each case. Clients benefit from Michelle’s direct involvement, extensive experience and rigorous approach to their defence.
To privately instruct Michelle please call 01733 475504.
If you have been arrested, invited to attend a voluntary police interview or are facing criminal proceedings, you can specifically request Michelle Canagasuriam of MC Solicitors to represent you.
Seeking specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity can be critical to protecting your position.
To request Michelle personally, or to discuss Legal Aid eligibility or privately funded representation, contact MC Solicitors.
Think Defence. Think MC.
Your Defence. Our Fight.
Because you matter.
Client feedback
I can’t thank Michelle at MC Solicitors enough. From the very first conversation, I knew I was in good hands. She was professional, reassuring, and genuinely compassionate throughout my whole case.
Michelle has been kind, patient, and incredibly supportive. She never judged me and always made sure I understood what was happening and what my options were.
Michelle is the most down to earth and understanding solicitor you can hope to meet. She gives great advice, both professionally and personally. Cannot thank her enough.
Police station advice · 24 hours
Free legal advice
Ask for a solicitor straight away. Advice at the police station is free, whatever your income.
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Protection under PACE
The police must follow strict rules on interviews, detention times and how evidence is obtained.
Your Defence. Our Fight.

Client-focused approach
Every case is handled with care, discretion and determination.
Specialist expertise
Decades of experience in criminal defence, from the police station to the Crown Court.
Accessible representation
Legal aid and competitive private funding available.
Proven results
Acquittals, reduced charges, withdrawn charges and reduced sentences.
24/7 availability
Immediate support at police stations across the country.
Serious Crime Defence · Proven Results in 2026
Think Defence.
Think MC.
Your Defence. Our Fight. Because you matter.
Need legal advice? Speak to us before you speak to the police.
MC SOLICITORS
THINK DEFENCE. THINK MC.
Because you matter.
SPECIALIST CRIMINAL DEFENCE